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USA Today bestselling author Lauren Dane delivers a second serving of sexy in her new Delicious novel, in which taste and temptation make up a sweet recipe…
Mary Whaley has her hands full running a successful catering company and overseeing her supper club. She has everything she ever wanted—or so she thought. When she meets ridiculously hot and very dirty rock star Damien Hurley at her friend’s engagement party, the attraction she feels is overpowering—and she isn’t about to deny herself.
Damien is used to a hard and fast life. He and two of his brothers started a band when they were fresh out of high school—then they hit the big time and stayed there. He’s also a legendary madman on the stage and in the bedroom. But when he meets Mary, something clicks, and the bad boy starts thinking he may have finally found something good.
What begins as a series of fleeting trysts soon gets much more complicated. Damien can’t figure out why Mary doesn’t want more from him. And before long, it’s Damien who wants more from Mary. But it turns out Mary is no stranger to celebrity news, and he’s got a very big job ahead of him: proving that he’s worth more than a one-night stand…
Anonymous
Posted April 17, 2013
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2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Read from March 07 to 08, 2013
BOOK SYNOPSIS
USA Today bestselling author Lauren Dane delivers a second serving of sexy in her new Delicious novel, in which taste and temptation make up a sweet recipe…
Mary Whaley has her hands full running a successful catering company and overseeing her supper club. She has everything she ever wanted—or so she thought. When she meets ridiculously hot and very dirty rock star Damien Hurley at her friend’s engagement party, the attraction she feels is overpowering—and she isn’t about to deny herself.
Damien is used to a hard and fast life. He and two of his brothers started a band when they were fresh out of high school—then they hit the big time and stayed there. He’s also a legendary madman on the stage and in the bedroom. But when he meets Mary, something clicks, and the bad boy starts thinking he may have finally found something good.
What begins as a series of fleeting trysts soon gets much more complicated. Damien can’t figure out why Mary doesn’t want more from him. And before long, it’s Damien who wants more from Mary. But it turns out Mary is no stranger to celebrity news, and he’s got a very big job ahead of him: proving that he’s worth more than a one-night stand…
My Thoughts
Lush represents for me, as a longtime fan of author Lauren Dane , everything that I love in her books such as family and friends and the love they share with each other. The characters that she has gifted us with that intertwine from previous stories and series are ones who stay with you as they are all such strong individuals who at the same time are a cohesive unit of solidarity and support when one of them needs a morale boost or a shoulder to lean or cry on!
Returning back to some of my favorite characters from the Brown Sibling series and adding in some new ones that are now more of my favorites that were created and brought to life by Lauren Dane .
This is such a great read, the whole way through we are treated to glimpses of Adrian, Gillian and Miles; Jules, Cal and Gideon; Erin, Daisy and more from previous stories until it feels like old home week!
The book starts with Adrian and Gillian's rehearsal dinner where Mary Whaley is the caterer whose tasty offerings appear in great detail all through the reading and make one quite hungry for a bit of her freshly cooked treats. Mary and Damien hit it off and end up in her hotel room after the dinner to explore the heat that is almost too combustible to stand when they are together! From that point on the relationship takes off and slowly builds over the course of the book from the initial "in lust with each other" to totally "head over heels" in love with each other, the compromises they make along the way as things grow more serious than either Damien or Mary planned on show just how much they are willing to make the effort to make things work out.
Of course the drama caused near the end where certain behavior from the past comes back to "bite" Damien and which also almost causes him to lose Mary is something that you can actually see coming for a while as after all the "bad boy drummer" has got quite a well documented past of hard fast living thanks to the paparazzi that make a living off escapes like those he was once famous for within the rock n roll community.
Pretty much this is standard fare as for as a bad boy/good girl romance but for me the fact that Mary Whaley's character in no way allows the fame and fortune that is part of Damien Hurleys everyday life to sway her into being awed by these facts and instead she very matter of factly lays it out that neither the fame or the fortune appeal to her as she has her own life and is making her own way without wanting or needing to be "given" anything. Pretty much that independence is also the greatest appeal for Damien as he is used to "rock groupies" who want nothing more than to be shown a good time and showered with gifts as much as they want Damien to take them up on their sexual promises. Of course the fact that Mary is a fabulous cook, beautiful, sexy, good with animals, loves the outdoors and is very adventurous in the bedroom and out does not hurt his attraction to her either!
Not only is there a lot to be said for the way author Lauren Dane brings to the forefront the strong bond between Damien and his family but also the one between Mary and her parents and beloved girlfriends as well as for me that is what has always been my biggest appeal for reading her books and this one is certainly no exception to that rule.
Unlike some others who have had a rough time with this one because of all the characters and their respective relationships this was a welcomed easy read that I devoured in one day as fast as I could turn the pages on my reader! I do admit that it helps to have read the entire Brown Sibling Series thus familiarizing myself with most of the group and their prior histories first.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher who allowed me to revisit some favorite characters who I am in love with and to meet some new ones that I fell in love with also!
[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Damien Hurley is a bad boy rocker with an even more jaded reputation with the ladies. His world is about to be turned upside down when he meets Mary Whaley, an up and coming chef and caterer. Damien has lived his rock star life to its fullest but now he sees there is so much more and he wants it with Mary.
Mary Whaley’s catering business and dinner club have taken off. When she meets the deliciously hot Damien Hurley, she can't help but want a taste. Keeping her career first, she enjoys romantic encounters with Damien. When Damien starts wanting more, Mary might be the hardest one to convince.
Lauren Dane is the queen of writing hot and steaming and she pulls out all the stops with Mary and Damien. A quick, easy, entertaining read, Lush is a wonderfully erotic and romantic story that will sizzle and excite your senses and make you hungry for more.
This ARC copy of Lush was given to me by Berkley Trade in exchange for an honest review. Publish Date April 2, 2013.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 13, 2013
As with any Lauren Dane book very entertaining and addictive. This book is for any one with good love story,who loves rock and roll and just a good book. I love books who continue with previous characters.Love Adrian,Gillian and Miles. Thanks Lauren Dane! Keep them coming!!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Dia_Pelaez
Posted May 1, 2013
A deliciously uncomplicated romance story that's as mouth-watering as its characters!
I normally wouldn't use the word 'mouth-watering' in describing a novel, but that's exactly what Lush is. It is mouth-watering and delicious because the female lead, Mary Whaley, is a successful caterer.
The dishes featured in this book alone made my stomach growl in frustration when I was reading. The sad part is, I can't do anything about it because I don't know how to cook.
Anyways, what I liked about this book is that the characters are distinctly unique and likable. There's Mary Whaley who's her own person. She's caring, loyal and independent. She's successful in her chosen field and knows exactly what she wants. I guess it's safe to say that she's got a good head on her shoulders and doesn't let her head float up in the clouds. She's realistic and that's what I liked best about her.
Then there's also Damien Hurley, the lickable drummer in a rock band. He stands for everything that's cliche in a rock band - the partying, the drinking, the groupies and the multiple sex partners in every city they tour. He's the kind of guy that good girls usually kept at arm's length.
What I liked about this story was that there was build-up between the two protagonists. They didn't just bump into each other and fall in love instantly. There was space between when they met and how they eventually began seeing each other, which made the story believable to some degree.
What I don't like, however, is that the only conflict within the story are the insecurities held by Mary and Damien. There was no real, tangible and intense conflict that actually threatened to tear them apart. The conflicts that were presented in this story could easily be sorted out by communication, which might I add, was actually done with the help of the people around the two main characters.
Anyways, this story has likable characters, a plethora of mouth-watering dishes, a hot caterer and a rock star. I'd say that those things definitely make-up something worth reading.
Bekina32
Posted April 26, 2013
This was one of the better ones of the series. The heroine was a bit too whiny and wishy washy for me but all in all I really enjoyed it.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Patmelo
Posted April 26, 2013
Mary Whaley has made a successful business in catering and overseeing her supper club. After so much hard work, she has
everything she's ever wanted.
But when she meets the very hot, sexy Damien Hurley, the attraction kick's inn and she can't deny herself this sweet treat.
As far as Damien goes, living a hard, fast life is good for now. Living the life of a famous rock star is awesome and he's brothers
think so too. But then he meets Mary and suddenly there's nobody else and he can't get by without her.
As love finds it's way into Mary and Damien's heart, things start getting tough and when things get tough, the tough get going ...
I'm such a big fan of Lauren Dane and her books get me in such a good disposition that this one is no different from the other's I've read.
Her character's are always so strong and enticing and the boys are always hot, it's such a pleasure to read something that leaves
you with a million ideas that you can practice and make your own way, as I said, it's always a pleasure to read any book like this any
day of the week.
Mary is really a down to earth person, she doesn't get caught in Damien's rock star lifestyle but she doesn't run away either.
She's different from the other women that Damien is used to and he knows it right away ... smart boy.
She really isn't looking for love but this time around she get's caught in this web and Damien has a little help from his brother's and
his mom.
Damien is my kind of a favorite rock star. He's nice, hot and sinful, such a nice guy, and deep down there there's a farm boy hiding inside
his soul.
He get's all the credit for pushing Mary to the limit, all the way down, and never giving up on his feelings and on the woman he loves.
This book was a great read, if you love a good romance and hot loving between a couple that burn the sheets pick up this book and you
won't regret it.
Anonymous
Posted April 25, 2013
Lush was EXCELLENT!!! I must say it took me a little longer to start reading it because I was afraid that it was going to be another disappointment like Tart was, but SUCH WAS NOT THE CASE!!! It was a 1000x better than Tart!! Lauren Dane did an excellent job with Mary and Damien's story. I LOVE DAMIEN HURLEY!!! WHERE CAN I FIND A HOT ROCK STAR DRUMMER??!!! The love between Damien and Mary was palpable, whether Mary was ready to admit it or not. Their connection to each other was very strong from the beginning. You could feel it through the pages of the book. The last time I felt that sort of intensity between the two main characters was when I read Brody and Elise's story in Coming Undone from the Brown Siblings Series,which I highly recommend!!! I love how their relationship was allowed to develop over time and was not rushed. I loved how Damien was willing to wait and prove to Mary (and her friends and family) that he was not the guy that he was before, and to show her how much he truly loved her. WHAT A MAN!!! It was also great to get reconnected with the other folks from the Brown Siblings Series and the other Delicious Novels. I must say Daisy is fantastic. She is the perfect best friend to Mary. She helps keep Mary grounded and open to the wonderful delights that are in store for her so long as she is willing to give it or rather him a chance. Now I am hoping to read more about the other Hurley Brothers and their mother, who reminds me of Polly Chase from Lauren Dane's Chase Brothers Series, another series that I highly recommend. I hope we get a series on those beautiful boys. I can't wait to read Drawn Together. Very well done, Lauren Dane. Very well done!!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Lise_Horton
Posted April 22, 2013
Love bad boy rockers laid low by the love of a good woman? Super hot sexy love scenes with humor and realism? Love a great love story full of conflict, and a look into the world of celebrity & vicious press? Then Lush is for you. Lauren Dane's latest interconnected story of the Delicious, and the Brown siblings, it's even got amazing food for the foodies among you! Enjoy!
Anonymous
Posted April 16, 2013
## First and foremost let me say that I loved Ms. Dane's Brown Sibling series. If you haven't read that series yet, drop what you're doing and buy it now. It's deliciously captivating and leads right into "Tart" and "Lush". That being said, I didn't enjoy this story as much as I would've liked. I absolutely hate the "rock star" angle. The man-whore thing is such a turn off. There is just way too much temptation out there on the road which leads to mistrust and hurt. It is entirely possible to write a rock star who isn't a hard partying slut. I know because Ms. Dane did it with Adrian's story. Also, I didn't feel any chemistry between the hero and heroine. And that's a biggie for me. Not the best but not the worst.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Mrsjonsey
Posted April 13, 2013
Lauren Dane is one of my favorite authors. I love her books. Lauren did it again, this book is awesome. This is a second book in her
new series that spins off the Brown Siblings. Mary Whaley is a creative genius when it comes to food. Damien Hurley is a rock god on
the drums. They meet at her best friends engagement party, then again at the wedding. There is instant attraction between the two.
Lauren does a fabulous job of keeping your interest in her books. Between the humor, the real relationships, the steamy bedroom
(and other rooms) scenes, and good friendships you will not put this book down. I give it 5 stars.
NancyW12
Posted April 12, 2013
A smoking hot musician, an earthy chef, and some naughty sex. What's not to love?
Lauren Dane can be a tough one. When she writes a straight m/f romance as she did with Lush and with Adrian and Gillian's story, I'm all in. When she veers off into the triads and the paranormal, I can't connect with it. It's almost like there are three different authors, so joy, joy, joy that this one was right up my alley.
Gramma65
Posted April 9, 2013
Liked it even better then the first.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.~Reviewed by FRANCESCA & posted at Under the Covers Book Blog
“I LOVE THIS SERIES. Lauren Dane can really do no wrong when it comes to the world of the Brown siblings and beyond.” ~Under the Covers
Can I just say first and foremost, I LOVE THIS SERIES. Lauren Dane can really do no wrong when it comes to the world of the Brown siblings and beyond. LUSH is the perfect example of why I love it so much. It’s got a perfect blend of sensuality, mixed in a dose of hot rocker and tattooed hero and with a dash of strong and independent heroine.
Ms. Dane can write some of the most real characters. You just want to get in their heads and their lives. Mary and Damien were just that for me. I wanted to be her and be with him. Mary is successful, she doesn’t need a man to make her happy or pay her bills. She’s got a great group of friends and a full life. Damien just adds to it, he doesn’t take over.
And then Damien, well, who doesn’t love a reformed bad boy. He’s got a ladies man reputation but all that changes when he meets Mary. He knows she’s a good girl, a girl that you have a relationship with. Their attraction was sizzling from the very beginning. I especially loved the fact that it is the bad boy hero that tiptoes around Mary to get a relationship and something serious out of her. Totally in love over here.
Their problems were real and they came to a good solution. No quick fixes, and no superfluous problems just to keep them apart.
The few glimpses of the Browns that we do get are never enough to appease me, but I’ll take what I can get. We also hear from Raven and Jonah, who will be getting their book soon and, can I just say, I am so excited to finally read her story! She was a lot more personable in this book, almost cheery. Even though she still had her trademark personality, but she seemed nicer somehow. LOL I really cannot wait to see what’s going on with her and Jonah and how that’s going to work with his family. Ohhhh boy!
LUSH was just another winner for me!
*ARC provided by publisher
Anonymous
Posted April 7, 2013
Love this series and author, the book had it all. Steamy love scenes, great humor, loyalty, friendship and painting my home of the Pacific Nothwest beautifully!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 4, 2013
Great story! It was romantic, funny and sexy. Everyone wants a sexy rock star...yummy! (220pgs)
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Washington & Oregon
Mary Whaley is so busy running her catering company and her supper club the last thing she is looking for is a relationship. She has everything she wants or thought she did until she met rock star Damien Hurley. Mary thinks it is just going to be some fun with Damien and then they will go their own ways and live their lives they way they always have.
Damien Hurley has lived a hard and fast life and it is the one he is used to living. He started a band with his brothers and they have hit the big time and have managed to stay there. He also has a reputation as being a madman on the stage and in the bedroom. When Damien meets Mary though things start changing for him.
What starts out a fling for both of them suddenly gets more complicated especially when Damien wants more with Mary. Damien is not sure what to think when the tables turn and he is the one wanting more and the woman he wants that with doesn’t seem to want it at all. Mary knows all about celebrity news and what they say about Damien. Now Damien is going to have to prove to Mary that what is in the news isn’t always what the truth is.
This story shows the other side of being a celebrity and those that are involved with them and what they have to go through at times. The characters are so well written the reader can really relate to them and will end up emotionally invested in the characters. This one will pull on the readers heartstrings and they will be right there with the character through all the ups and downs. This is another great book in this series from an author no one should miss. This story also brings back some character favorites from some other great books and the reader will enjoy going back and visiting the character and to see what they are up to now.
Anonymous
Posted April 15, 2013
I love this series. Lauren Dane tells a great story about the main characters but keeps you connected to the previous characters. Lauren Dane does and excellent job of making you feel apart of the book.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 2, 2013
OMG! They just keep getting better. Love that the books have all the people from previous books in them! Damien and Mary's story rocked. The hallway scene steamed up my nook! Cannt wait for more.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 14, 2013
No text was provided for this review.
Overview
USA Today bestselling author Lauren Dane delivers a second serving of sexy in her new Delicious novel, in which taste and temptation make up a sweet recipe…
Mary Whaley has her hands full running a successful catering company and overseeing her supper club. She has everything she ever wanted—or so she thought. When she meets ridiculously hot and very dirty rock star Damien Hurley at her friend’s engagement party, the attraction she feels is ...